For many 2016 was a puzzling year dominated by the unexpected - Brexit, the US election, strong stock markets, resurgent protectionism amid growing scepticism about the benefits of globalization, heightened volatility in the Middle East and Asia, and concerns about the sustainability of our slowly improving national economy. So the entry into a new year was a relief ... hopefully.

In Stratford and area, we experienced some very real successes. Manufacturing had a vigorous return to growth, agriculture had a strong performance, the Festival received critical artistic acclaim and had a solid financial season, retail was not disappointed in its optimism, construction was active, and there were decisions made about Market Square. Indeed, the spirit of Stratford and area was unquestionably demonstrated by our communities' welcome for refugees from the tragedy of conflict in Aleppo and Syria.

Stratford, St Marys and Perth County are places of diversity in business and economic activity. This has been and will continue to be one of our key strengths. As our national and international reputation as a centre for innovation, business stability, culture and quality of life expands, we are well positioned to weather the bumps of 2017.

In a world of stress, uncertainty and sometimes despair, Stratford and area is where people and business want to live and work.

Your Chamber has a number of new initiatives that we will be rolling out throughout the year. Organization of the Business Excellence awards is well under way as are BA5's and the Ladies Learning Group. Priorities for the year will be in professional development opportunities for our membership in addition to local and regional advocacy and collaboration with business and community partners.

The Board, Michelle and I wish you all the best in 2017. We look forward to meeting with you and assisting you as your businesses grow and strengthen. Drop in or give us a call.

Brad Beatty

General Manager

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR

January's Business After Five at Fellini's

Wednesday, January 11th, 5:15-7:00

Join us at the January BA5! Fellini's & Pelee Island winery welcome you to join us for a toast and some Italian nibbles on Wednesday, January 11th to celebrate the New Year and 24 years of serving Classic Italian fare in downtown Stratford. Meet up with your peers in the business community, along with the staff and board of the Chamber of Commerce, for a nice break from the winter cold with friends old and new.

Would you like to present an award at the 2017 BEA Award Gala, THE Business Event of the year? We have a spot open for a Gold Partner. Call us for details.

Life Lessons with Ginny Dybenko

an International Women's Day event with

the CFDC Chamber Ladies Learning Group

and the Zonta Club of Stratford

Friday, March 3rd

7:00 am at the Stratford Country Club

Stay tuned for more details, but be sure to
mark your calendar so you don't miss it!

Spotlight on our Corporate Partner:
Stratford Perth Centre for Business

The Stratford Perth Centre for Business is committed to helping small business owners achieve their business goals. The Centre offers complimentary consultations, resources and services to support the development of new and established small businesses in Perth County. In addition to advisory services; events, seminars and training opportunities are held throughout the year to provide small business essentials.

The Centre for Business holds monthly networking opportunities with the next being a Networking Breakfast, taking place on January 23 at 7:45AM - 9:00AM at The Queen's Inn. This breakfast will bring together like minded business professionals and includes a short workshop on how to create your Instagram strategy. Learn strategies on how to use Instagram to grow your business and understand the new Instagram features that can better engage your customers. Admission is only $10. Sign Up Now! http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07edmlpfgl4b786ff3&llr=wbc4u9wab

Katelyn Aitcheson would be happy to meet with you and answer any questions you might have.

The 2017 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) application period for employers is now open.

Apply before January 20, 2017!

Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative. It provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees to create summer jobs for students between the ages of 15 and 30.

The application form as well as the applicant guide are currently available at www.canada.ca/canada-summer-jobs. You can submit your application online, by mail or in person at any Service Canada Centre.

For a better understanding of the Canada Summer Jobs program including key tips to apply, please watch this YouTube video: https://youtube/SfMoLhkgjU8

We are updating our Members Brochure Display in the office. Please feel free to drop off some business cards, postcards, or brochures to ensure we have your most up-to-date marketing materials to display to walk-in traffic.

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